Fiction, daydreams, and soft experiments. Places I let language run loose, chasing small truths through invented worlds.
The Window at 9:14
By: Marie Pascual The platform was empty except for the man in the hat. He did not speak. He only pointed. The carriage rattled on steel, smelled of old smoke and something sweet, like rice left too long on the stove. I sat where the ticket told me,Seat 9A, window on the left. He handed…
Gift Receipt
My submission to the 2025 NYC midnight writing competition (500 words max) // prompts: perfume, bargaining, romantic comedy By: Marie Pascual Dearest Stan, You would’ve hated this man — like trailers that spoiled endings, or people who said “data” like they were better than you. He reminded me of you in the worst ways. Or…
No Re-Rolls
My submission to 2025 “Writing Battle Nano – Fiction 250 words max”// Prompts: Road Trip, Dice, Outcast By: Marie Pascual GROUP CHAT J23: Joe: Chefs, don’t forget aprons. Zak: Chef go fuck yourself Joe: You first. Mei: What do I wear for Tommy’s dinner? 👀👀👀 Zak: It’s PAPILLON. Look like money 💰 Mei: We can…
Kulfi and Gold
By: Marie Pascual “From the river to the sea—”The chants echoed for what felt like forever. Thirty minutes? Maybe more.My partners and I stood outside the halal festival gates, shifting our weight, adjusting our outfits. Was it still safe to perform? We hadn’t been sure. But then the music started, the smoke began rising, and…
Something like Grace
By: Marie Pascual “Gracey—can you come help NaiNai with the gro-ser-ree?”Forty years in this country and I still cannot say grocery the proper way. Always gro-ser-ree. With David living abroad now, off with his new wife and family, Grace is the only one still in the province to help me. I don’t like asking too…
Marie Pascual - Between Worlds 